Portuguese Stuffing Thanksgiving: 7 Flavors that Delight

Name: Portuguese Stuffing Thanksgiving: 7 Flavors that Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 4 cups stale bread, cubed; 1 cup onions, chopped; 1/2 cup celery, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup chorizo, diced; 1/4 cup butter; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

November 11, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family gathers around the table to share gratitude and, of course, delicious food. This *Portuguese stuffing Thanksgiving* recipe is a little twist on the classic that I absolutely adore. Growing up, my family always made stuffing that was bursting with flavors, and this one is no exception! With the warmth of chorizo and the freshness of parsley, it brings a unique flair to your holiday feast. Trust me, it’ll become a cherished part of your Thanksgiving tradition. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. Let’s dive into this flavorful side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients List

4 cups stale bread, cubed into bite-sized pieces
1 cup onions, finely chopped for that sweet flavor
1/2 cup celery, chopped to add a nice crunch
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for a pop of color and freshness
1/2 cup chorizo, diced (trust me, this adds a whole new level of deliciousness)
1/4 cup butter, to sauté those veggies beautifully
1 cup chicken broth, to bring all the flavors together
1 teaspoon salt, to enhance the taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, for a hint of spice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, because garlic makes everything better!

How to Prepare Portuguese Stuffing for Thanksgiving

Making this *Portuguese stuffing Thanksgiving* is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how all the ingredients come together so beautifully! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives your stuffing that perfect golden brown finish!

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. You want it nice and bubbly but not burnt, so keep an eye on it!
Once the butter is melted, toss in the chopped onions and celery. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, usually about 5-7 minutes. Oh, the smell is just divine!
Next, add the diced chorizo to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned and slightly crispy, which should take another 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed stale bread, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Give it a good stir to distribute everything evenly.
Now, pour the sautéed mixture over the bread. Don’t forget to scrape all those delicious bits from the skillet—those are packed with flavor!
Pour in the chicken broth, and mix everything together well. You want the bread to soak up that savory goodness.
Transfer your stuffing mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Wow, you’re going to love this!

And there you have it! A delightful stuffing that’ll steal the show this Thanksgiving!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Now, I want to mention that the nutritional values for this *Portuguese stuffing Thanksgiving* can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Things like the type of bread, the fat content in the chorizo, or even the chicken broth can all change the numbers a little. So, don’t hold me to those precise values! It’s always a good idea to check the labels if you’re keeping an eye on your intake. Just focus on enjoying this delicious stuffing with your loved ones, and let the flavors do the talking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible flavor: The combination of savory chorizo, fresh herbs, and buttery bread creates a stuffing that’s bursting with taste.
Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Perfect for Thanksgiving: It’s a unique twist on traditional stuffing that will impress your family and friends at holiday gatherings.
Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before baking.
Versatile: It complements a variety of main dishes, from turkey to roasted vegetables, making it a fantastic addition to any feast.
Gluten-free option: By choosing the right bread, you can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Crowd-pleaser: Everyone will love this stuffing, and it’s sure to become a staple in your holiday meal rotation!

Tips for Success

Use stale bread: This is key! Stale bread absorbs the broth better and prevents your stuffing from turning mushy. If you don’t have stale bread, just cut fresh bread into cubes and let it sit out for a few hours to dry out.
Don’t skip the chorizo: Trust me, this is the secret ingredient that elevates your *Portuguese stuffing Thanksgiving* to a whole new level! If you can find spicy chorizo, it adds an extra kick that’s just divine.
Season as you go: Taste your sautéed mixture before adding it to the bread. You can adjust the salt and pepper to suit your flavor preferences. It’s all about making it perfect for you and your guests!
Let it rest: If you make the stuffing ahead of time, let it sit for at least a half-hour after mixing in the broth. This allows the bread to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
Watch the baking time: Every oven is different! Start checking your stuffing a few minutes before the recommended baking time. You want it golden brown and crispy on top but still moist inside.
Experiment with herbs: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding different herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor that complements the chorizo beautifully.
Avoid overmixing: When combining the bread with the sautéed mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense stuffing, and we want it light and fluffy!

Variations of Portuguese Stuffing

One of the best things about this *Portuguese stuffing Thanksgiving* recipe is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to match your taste and make it even more special. Here are a few ideas to inspire your creativity:

Different bread types: While I love using stale bread, you can experiment with different kinds! Try sourdough for a tangy twist, or whole grain for added texture and nutrition. Gluten-free bread works just as well if you’re accommodating dietary needs.
Add veggies: For an extra boost of flavor and nutrition, toss in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms alongside the onions and celery. You could even add some roasted butternut squash for a sweet touch!
Herb variations: Switch up the fresh parsley for other herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary. Each will bring its unique flavor profile and elevate the stuffing to new heights!
Spice it up: If you want a bit more heat, consider using spicy chorizo or adding red pepper flakes to the sautéed mixture. It’ll give your stuffing a delightful kick that’s sure to please those who love bold flavors.
Nuts and dried fruits: For a sweet and crunchy element, throw in some toasted pecans or walnuts. Dried cranberries or raisins can add a lovely contrast to the savory ingredients, making each bite a little more exciting!
Cheese lover’s twist: If you’re a cheese fan like me, consider mixing in some shredded cheese like sharp cheddar or crumbled feta before baking. It’ll melt into the stuffing and create an irresistible creamy texture.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect version of *Portuguese stuffing*! The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to find your favorite combination!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, let’s talk about how to make the most of your delicious *Portuguese stuffing Thanksgiving* leftovers! If you happen to have any (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), there are some easy ways to store and reheat it so it stays just as tasty as when it came out of the oven.

First off, once your stuffing has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—just make sure to label it so you know what’s hiding in there!

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze your stuffing! Just portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

For reheating, you can either pop it in the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), then spread the stuffing in a greased baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain that crispy top we all love! If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, but be sure to check and stir it halfway through to avoid any hot spots.

And that’s it! You’ll have your stuffing warmed up and ready to enjoy again, bringing those cozy Thanksgiving vibes back to your table!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got this amazing *Portuguese stuffing Thanksgiving* all ready to go, let’s talk about how to make your Thanksgiving meal truly unforgettable! This stuffing pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, enhancing the overall experience of your holiday feast. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

Roasted Turkey: You can’t go wrong with the classic! The savory flavors of the stuffing complement the juicy, tender turkey perfectly. Just imagine that first bite—heavenly!
Glazed Ham: The sweetness of a honey-glazed ham is a match made in culinary heaven with this stuffing. The combination of flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Herb-Crusted Roast Chicken: If you’re looking for something a bit different, a herb-crusted roast chicken will pair beautifully. The crispy skin and juicy meat will be a delightful complement to the stuffing.
Vegetable Medley: For a lighter option, serve the stuffing alongside a colorful vegetable medley. Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and green beans not only look beautiful but also add a fresh crunch to your plate!
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a must! The rich, buttery goodness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the stuffing, creating a comforting mouthful of flavors.
Gravy: Don’t forget the gravy! Drizzling a bit of homemade turkey gravy over the stuffing adds a savory depth that’ll make it even more irresistible.
Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of tangy cranberry sauce on the side offers a refreshing contrast to the savory stuffing, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Fresh Salad: For a touch of brightness, serve a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a great way to cut through the richness of the meal!

With these serving suggestions, your *Portuguese stuffing Thanksgiving* will shine on the table, delighting your guests and creating a festive atmosphere that everyone will remember. Enjoy every bite and the wonderful company around you!

"As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases."

You might also like it

Creamy One Pot Sundried Tomato White Beans Recipe Delight

Steak Queso Rice: 7 Reasons to Love This Comfort Dish

Quick Dinner Recipes: 5 Simple Steps to Flavorful Meals

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.